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Sensory processing at 18 months is associated with social challenges at 3 years

Akiko Tokunaga1, Tomitaro Akiyama2, Michio Maruta1

  • 1Unit of Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Science, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|December 15, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Early sensory processing in toddlers is linked to social responsiveness later in childhood. Assessing sensory patterns may aid in the early detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Area of Science:

  • Developmental psychology
  • Pediatric neurology
  • Autism spectrum disorder research

Background:

  • Investigating the link between early sensory processing and later social development in children.
  • Exploring the potential of sensory processing assessments for early autism spectrum disorder (ASD) detection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if sensory processing characteristics at 18 months predict social responsiveness at 3 years.
  • To assess the utility of sensory assessments in identifying children at risk for ASD.

Main Methods:

  • 180 children (91 boys, 89 girls) participated.
  • Mothers completed the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile (ITSP) at 18 months and the Social Responsiveness Scale Second Edition (SRS-2) at 3 years.
  • ITSP measures sensory patterns; SRS-2 assesses ASD-related social communication, interaction, and behavioral traits.

Main Results:

  • Significant correlations were found between ITSP scores at 18 months and SRS-2 scores at 3 years.
  • Early sensory processing characteristics are associated with later social difficulties characteristic of ASD.
  • Findings suggest a connection between sensory processing and the development of social behaviors relevant to ASD.

Conclusions:

  • Assessing sensory processing in young children can enhance early identification of ASD risk.
  • Integrating sensory evaluations into screening protocols may improve ASD detection accuracy.
  • Early identification facilitates timely intervention and support for children with ASD and their families.
Abstract

Keywords:
autism spectrum disorderinfantspreschoolprospective studiessocial behavior

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